Job Opening
APPLICATION DEADLINE DATE: September 3, 2026
JOB TITLE: Special Assistant, SG NS, M/C LOCATION: Albany or NYC
(Working Title: Senior Director of Operations)
APPOINTMENT TYPE: Permanent JURISDICTION CLASS: Exempt
DEPARTMENT: Division of Minority and Women’s Business Development (DMWBD)
625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12245
- OR -
5 Grand Central East, New York, NY 10017
BASIC FUNCTION:
The Sr. Director of Operations serves as the head of the Division’s administrative services and its financial and operational systems. The selected candidate will be charged with the oversight and administration of the Division’s personnel, fiscal, and training units. This role ensures that the Division has the necessary resources, processes, and personnel to effectively certify MWBEs, advocate for their utilization in State contracting, and maintain compliance with Article 15-A of Executive Law.
WORK PERFORMED:
- Administer DMWBD’s entire operations support program.
- In collaboration with the EVP of the Division, oversee the Division’s strategic planning, development, and implementation of work programs, priorities, scheduling/coordination of major projects and activities with other divisions, bureaus, and State agencies.
- Manage all Division funding and contracts.
- In collaboration with the Executive Director, work with the Executive Chamber and ESD Finance to manage the Division’s annual budget, track expenditures, and forecast the Division’s future financial needs.
- Oversee the lifecycle of Division contracts, including third-party vendors providing technical assistance or IT support for the MWBE certification system.
- Serve as the liaison between the DMWBD and ESD’s Division of Administration.
- Assist in developing management plans to measure the performance of subordinate areas of operation; identify strengths and weaknesses in existing procedures; assist in the development and implementation of new and improved procedures.
- Coordinate the activities of subordinate staff to ensure that policies, procedures, and standards are applied consistently, and that management and administrative practices of the operational sections are handled in accordance with the policies established by the EVP.
- Direct the operational onboarding of new staff and coordinate with section supervisors to ensure that office resource allocations align with evolving departmental priorities.
- Coordinate and participate in training activities, ensuring that necessary training is identified and available, and coordinate employee nomination and attendance.
- Provide managerial support to section supervisors and provide guidance, as needed.
- Represent the Division in meetings with other agencies, vendors, and stakeholders.
EDUCATION & REQUIREMENTS:
Education Requirements: A bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, finance, or a related field. A master’s degree (MBA or MPA) is highly preferred.
Professional Experience Requirements: A minimum of five (5) years of progressive experience in operations management, public administration, or procurement.
- At least two (2) years in a senior leadership or supervisory capacity within a government agency or a large, complex organization.
- Proven experience managing departmental budgets and overseeing high-volume procurement/requisition processes.
Substitutions:
- A master’s degree may substitute for one year of specialized experience.
- A Ph.D. may substitute for two years of specialized experience.
Knowledge Requirements:
- In-depth understanding of New York State procurement laws and Article 15-A.
- Strong familiarity with the Statewide Financial System (SFS) or similar enterprise resource planning (ERP) software.
- Exceptional organizational, analytical, and communication skills.
SALARY RANGE: $103,870 - $131,298 (plus $4,000 location pay if the position is filled in NYC)
ADDITIONAL:
If interested in this position, please forward a cover letter and resume to the e-mail address below by September 3, 2026. Be sure to indicate the position title and location you are applying for and specify how you meet the minimum qualifications in your cover letter.
INQUIRE
NYS Department of Economic Development
Human Resources Office
625 Broadway
Albany, NY 12245
Fax: (518) 292-5852
E-Mail: [email protected]
New York State is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Minorities, women, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Please contact Human Resources if you require an accommodation.
8/3/2026
Reference No. 00516
Pursuant to Executive Order 161, no State entity, as defined by the Executive Order, is permitted to ask, or mandate, in any form, that an applicant for employment provide his or her current compensation, or any prior compensation history, until such time as the applicant is extended a conditional offer of employment with compensation. If such information has been requested from you before such time, please contact the Governor’s Office of Employee Relations at (518) 473-3130 or via email at [email protected]
Skills Required
- Bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, finance, or a related field
- At least five years of progressive experience in operations management, public administration, or procurement
- At least two years of senior leadership or supervisory experience within a government agency or large, complex organization
- Experience managing departmental budgets and high-volume procurement or requisition processes
- In-depth understanding of New York State procurement laws and Article 15-A
- Strong familiarity with the Statewide Financial System or similar ERP software
- Exceptional organizational, analytical, and communication skills
- Master’s degree, such as an MBA or MPA
What We Do
Empire State Development (ESD) is New York’s chief economic development agency. The mission of Empire State Development is to promote a vigorous and growing state economy, encourage business investment and job creation, and support diverse, prosperous local economies across New York State through the efficient use of loans, grants, tax credits, real estate development, marketing and other forms of assistance. ESD also oversees the marketing of “I LOVE NY,” the State’s iconic tourism brand (www.iloveny.com) & NYLovesFim New York State's Film, TV & Commercial Incentives (www.nylovesfilm.com) Empire State Development is the parent organization of the New York State Department of Economic Development & the Empire State Development Corporation. For more information on Empire State Development, visit www.esd.ny.gov.
